Felis catus. Gato. Chat. Miw. Cat.
The ancient Egyptians worshiped them. We can’t get enough of them on YouTube and social media. In a world where many revere animals, there are but a few with whom we coexist in the same space. We are fortunate that the feline has found a way into our homes and our hearts. As we walk down the streets of our beloved borough, we see their content and peaceful faces in many apartment windows, enjoying the sunshine and birds in the trees.
When they are well, the relationship between cat and guardian remains simple and often peaceful. However, these independent creatures, with personalities the size of tigers, can be evasive and withdrawn. That makes it difficult to know when they are ill.
The first step in ensuring your cat’s good health is to schedule regular examinations with your family veterinarian to determine whether they are hiding anything of import. These exams should be conducted once a year for cats up to age six to seven, and twice a year for older cats or as directed for your special feline.
If they are acting well, this schedule is typically enough to catch a concern early. But how do you know when they are not well? What should you be looking for?
Here are a few of the changes you can see in a cat of any age that should alert you to the possibility of illness:
• Vomiting is not “normal” for a cat. The very infrequent hairball may be the exception, but if your pet is experiencing vomiting with any regularity, there is a health concern. It may be resolved with a simple change of diet. However, vomiting can also be a sign of many illnesses, including intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, liver disease, parasitism, and even diabetes.
• Cats are also notorious for urinary bladder blockage and irritation from stones and crystals. Monitoring of urinary habits is SO important! If you notice any increase or decrease in urination, seek veterinary help. And make that appointment immediately (don’t forget your 24/7 ER hospitals) if your feline cannot produce urine or only a small amount is voided.
• Also of note: increased thirst, increased appetite— especially if accompanied by weight loss, weight loss alone, coat color change, diarrhea, too hard/formed stool or diminished or lack of stool production, hiding more than usual, having accidents outside the litter box, excessive itching, behavior changes, coughing, excess sneezing, decreased mobility (yes, felines develop arthritis!), and lethargy are just some of the reasons to seek evaluation.
Education is key to keeping your feline friend happy and healthy. Always start with your family veterinarian, but some on-line resources for education such as veterinarypartner.com, catvets.com American Association of Feline Practitioners and veterinary universities are great places to learn more. And remember, no matter what you learn, a disease can manifest uniquely in any patient. Some of the more common diseases that affect our feline friends, in addition to those mentioned above, include:
• Feline Leukemia Virus: This infectious condition is spread between cats mostly through exposure to saliva, nasal secretions, and during pregnancy and nursing. This disease weakens the immune system and can lead to blood disorders, including cancer. Cats who share food bowls and litter boxes and lived with infected cats are more likely to become infected. It is also common for outdoor cats to be exposed when they are bitten during fights. Ask your veterinarian about a vaccine, if you believe your pet is at risk.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: This disease is very similar to HIV in people. It can be a terminal disease, however some felines live with this condition for many years without illness. The infection is mostly spread through bite wounds. Outdoor cats are the most susceptible. Again, ask your veterinarian about a vaccine.
• Kidney/Renal disease: This disease can develop with advanced age, exposure to certain toxins including the lily (do not have these flowers in your home if you have a cat) and can also be seen earlier in life associated with genetics disorders. Weight loss and increased thirst and urination can be some of the early warning signs.
• Diabetes Mellitus: This condition is seen in middle-aged to older felines. Treatment often involves insulin and diet change. Some felines can even go into remission, as we can, with proper diet and medical therapy.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can lead to weight loss, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is usually well controlled with medications or a more permanent procedure called radioactive iodine treatment.
• Heart disease: Cats are tricky in this realm—not all felines with heart disease have a heart murmur. However, if your cat is noted to have one, evaluation by a veterinary cardiologist is recommended. Many conditions have great medication options which can improve longevity.
Additional infectious diseases that are important to note include feline panleukopenia virus (‘feline distemper’) and rabies, but these are much less common thanks to commonly implemented vaccine protocols. Exposure to infectious disease is also greatly reduced when your feline is kept indoors. As city dwellers, most of us already do this. Just make sure those windows are secure!
Diseases we see in the feline are not so different than our own. We mammals all have similar complex systems. However, these processes can manifest in different ways and often can need very different treatment. The cat has a unique physiology so do not give medications without the advice of an animal medical professional.
Your feline gives so much to you every day. You know their normal behaviors, so don’t ignore it when they change. It’s also a good idea to carry pet insurance or start a savings account so that if a medical emergency should arise, you have a resource to help you make the best health care decisions for both of you. When in doubt, it is always better to have your friend evaluated by a veterinarian! You will be happy you did.